Hot Key snaps up two ‘love letters to adolescence’ by debut author Benson

Hot Key Books, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired two contemporary teen novels by debut author Dee Benson: Glow Up, Lara Bloom and its sequel.

Senior commissioning editor Ruth Bennett acquired world English-language rights from Hannah Sheppard at D H H Literary Agency to the “funny and heartwarming” books. Glow Up, Lara Bloom will publish in paperback, e-book and audio in February 2023, with the second title publishing in February 2024. 

Glow Up, Lara Bloom follows teenage catastrophe Lara, sharing her innermost thoughts in her secret online journal. From bad hair days to ultra-embarrassing moments, there’s never a normal day in Lara’s life. How will she ever convince her super-cute crush, Caiden, to like her back? Lara thinks it’s time to give herself a glow up, but should you ever glow up for a boy?

Benson said: “Glow Up, Lara Bloom is a love letter to adolescence and all the joyful, messy craziness of that transitional phase. I’m immensely grateful to Ruth and the exceptional team at Hot Key Books for making my dreams come true. I know my book is in the right hands and I can’t wait for readers young and old to meet Lara Bloom and her friends.”

Bennett added: “Dee captures both the agony and the hilarity of teen friendship and crushes in a way that is a delight to read. She celebrates the coming-of-age experience in a way that we think will be truly empowering for young readers, allowing them to see themselves in Lara and laugh along with her. Step aside, Georgia Nicholson! Lara Bloom is the new icon for teens today.”